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Thompson Talks

A former coach looks back on how the college game has changed, for better and worse

By

David Armstrong

Updated March 13, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

With his trademark white towel draped over his shoulder and his imposing 6-foot-10-inch, 300-pound frame, John Thompson was a memorable figure during his nearly 27-year coaching career at Georgetown University. He won a national championship in 1984, saw to it that most of his players graduated and sent stars like Allen Iverson and Patrick Ewing to the NBA.

But Mr. Thompson is known as much for his frank talk and no-nonsense demeanor as his winning record. David Robinson, the former Navy star and longtime San Antonio Spur,...